BOOKISH GIFTS

A Portrait Of Joan: An Autobiography Of Joan Crawford

It starts with a telegram. MGM wires young Lucille LeSueur to tell her that she's been placed under contract at a princely $75 a week, and is expected to report immediately to Hollywood, California. A fresh-faced 17-year-old with big eyes and an air of elegance, she would go on to become one of the greatest stars in Hollywood history: the fabulous Joan Crawford.&#xd; &#xd; Through four marriages, countless cocktail parties, and more than one hundred appearances in film and television, Joan lived the life of a legend from the first day she stepped onto the back lot. After becoming famous in the silent era, by 1938 she was dubbed "Box Office Poison," and her career was considered over, but Crawford never quit. Over the next forty years, she clawed her way back to the top, and in this engaging autobiography, she tells her story her way. &#xd; &#xd; Includes a new foreword by Joan's grandson and a 16-page photo insert.

New: Mint condition or still sealed (SS). Absolutely perfect in every way. New.

Fine/Like New (EX): No defects, little sign of use, well cared for. Plays perfectly. Close to new. Not necessarily sealed or unused, but close. Could be an unopened promotional or cut item. Sometimes called: mint-minus.

Very Good (VG): Will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it.

Good (G): Attractive and well cared for, but no longer fresh. Minor signs of wear, scuffing or scratching, but will play almost perfectly. For vinyl: barely detectable crackles or pops.

Fair (FR): This item is in okay condition. For vinyl: good is not so good and the record may have low level crackles or pops when playing. CD: one or more tracks may skip.

Poor (P): Obviously well-worn and handled. Most vinyl collectors will not buy good or below, but some tracks on CD or vinyl will play.